5 h. ago ‘Hospitals will be overwhelmed by superflu and strikes and lives will be lost’ say scientists in Covid

AN eerie Covid-like warning has been issued by scientists that 'people will die', hospitals will be overwhelmed and schools closed without urgent action. It comes from previous members of the SAGE group that advised the Government during the Covid pandemic, as the NHS crumbles under the so-called "superflu", ahead of the planned doctors' strikes. Three...

Science

21 h. ago The Guardian view on birth influencers: the public need protecting from bad advice | Editorial

Our investigation of the Free Birth Society points to problems with maternity care and the role played by technologyDespite all the proven advances of modern medicine, some people are drawn to alternative or “natural” cures and practices. Many of these do no harm. As the cancer specialist Prof Chris Pyke noted last year, people undergoing cancer treatment will often try meditation or vitamins as well. When such a change is in addition to, and not instead of, evidence-based treatment, this is usually not a problem. If it reduces distress, it can help.But the proliferation of online health influencers poses challenges that governments and regulators in many countries have yet to grasp. The Guardian’s investigation into the Free Birth Society (FBS), a business offering membership and advice to expectant mothers, and training for “birth keepers”, has exposed 48 cases of late-term stillbirths or other serious harm involving mothers or birth attendants who appear to be linked to FBS. Whil...

Politics

21 h. ago The Guardian view on combating Europe’s national populists: protect the less well

As EU countries face multiple challenges in a new era, they must fight to preserve the continent’s social model. That means a new economic approachMore than a year after the election that handed Donald Trump a decisive comeback victory, the Democratic party has still not released its postmortem analysis. But last week, an influential progressive lobby group published its own. Kamala Harris’s campaign, its authors argued, failed to connect with core constituencies because it did not focus enough on addressing basic economic anxieties. By prioritising the menace to democracy that Maga authoritarianism represented, progressives neglected the bread-and-butter issues that were uppermost in many people’s minds.As the EU braces for a tumultuous period of politics between now and the end of the decade, that is a lesson that needs to be fully absorbed in Brussels, Paris and Berlin. The White House, as its recently published national security strategy makes clear, is hopeful that “patrio...

Politics

42 h. ago Bondi beach shooting live updates: NSW health minister says death toll may rise; alleged shooters in terror attack were father and son

One gunman was killed and another wounded; two police officers among the injured taken to hospital Amid the horror of the shooting, one video has emerged showing incredible bravery – a bystander rushing one of the gunmen from behind to wrestle the firearm off him.Praised a hero, he is being identified by some media as a 43-year-old fruit shop owner from the Sutherland Shire. Continue reading...

Events

46 h. ago The Guardian view on the Bondi terror shootings: do not let these antisemitic attacks drive division | Editorial

The beachside attack on Australia’s Jews, targeting a Hanukah gathering, reflects growing bigotry and political violenceThe shock and horror that have rippled out from Bondi Beach across the world are immense. At least 11 people died at a place packed with families. A further 29 individuals suffered serious injuries. For Sunday evening’s shootings to occur in one of the most idyllic and quintessentially Australian of locations, at one of the most joyous times in the Jewish calendar, only deepens the fear and anguish felt throughout the Jewish community, across Australia and more broadly.Authorities were quick to identify the attack as terrorism, targeting Jews as they gathered to celebrate the beginning of Hanukah on the beach. The two gunmen – one now dead, another critically injured as of Sunday night – fired on the crowds from a bridge. Parents ran with their children in their arms; elderly people struggled to flee. A car containing improvised explosive devices was found nearby a...

Events

51 h. ago Militant doctors putting lives at risk by striking during superflu they need to realise what’s at stake, Home Sec slams

STRIKING doctors are "putting lives at risk" and "need to realise what's at stake", the Home Secretary has warned. Shabana Mahmood has said hospitals are already buckling under “huge strain” as a brutal outbreak sweeps the country. She also urged resident doctors to accept the pay deal on the table. It echoes what Prime Minister...

Society

57 h. ago People in 'Blue Zones' who 'live to 100' drink this much wine each week

There are six Blue Zones where residents are reportedly more likely to live significantly longer lives

Politics

3 d. ago Ian Rush health latest as Liverpool legend placed in intensive care

Liverpool legend Ian Rush has been hospitalised

Society

3 d. ago Federal transportation officials reportedly sharing names of all US airport travelers with ICE

The report, based on documents obtained by the New York Times, says it’s unclear how many arrests have been made due to this data sharingThe admiral in charge of US military forces in Latin America will retire two years early, AP reports, amid rising tensions with Venezuela that include Wednesday’s seizure of an oil tanker and more than 20 deadly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats.Three US officials and two people familiar with the matter told Reuters that Admiral Alvin Holsey was pushed out by defense secretary Pete Hegseth. Two officials said Hegseth had grown frustrated with Southern Command as he sought to flex US military operations and planning in the region. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago The Guardian view on Trump and Venezuela: a return to seeking regime change | Editorial

The US is ramping up the pressure on Nicolás Maduro with a tanker seizure and expanded sanctions following threats and boat strikesEarly in his first term, Donald Trump mooted a “military option” for Venezuela to dislodge its president, Nicolás Maduro. Reports suggest that he eagerly discussed the prospect of an invasion behind closed doors. Advisers eventually talked him down. Instead, the US pursued a “maximum pressure” strategy of sanctions and threats.But Mr Maduro is still in place. And Mr Trump’s attempts to remove him are ramping up again. The US has amassed its largest military presence in the Caribbean since the 1989 invasion of Panama. It has carried out more than 20 shocking strikes on alleged drug boats. Mr Trump reportedly delivered an ultimatum late last month, telling the Venezuelan leader that he could have safe passage from his country if he left immediately. There was already a $50m bounty on his head. This week came expanded sanctions and the seizure of a tanker.D...

Politics

3 d. ago The Guardian view on Nnena Kalu’s historic Turner prize win: breaking a glass ceiling | Editorial

The UK art world is finally becoming more inclusive. But greater support must be given to the organisations that enable disabled artists to flourishThe Turner prize is no stranger to sparking debate or pushing boundaries. This year it has achieved both. For the first time, an artist with learning disabilities has won. Glasgow-born Nnena Kalu took the award for her colourful, cocoon-like sculptures made from VHS tape, clingfilm and other abandoned materials, along with her large swirling vortex drawings. Kalu is autistic, with limited verbal communication. In an acceptance speech on her behalf, Kalu’s facilitator, Charlotte Hollinshead, said that “a very stubborn glass ceiling” had been broken.Kalu’s win is a high-profile symbol of a shift towards greater inclusivity that has been happening in the UK arts world over the past five years. Last month, Beyond the Visual opened at the Henry Moore Institute, Leeds, in which everything is curated or created by blind and parti...

Politics

3 d. ago Democrats release more photos from Jeffrey Epstein estate as congressman says new batch ‘raises even more questions’ – live

Release includes photos of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and Richard Branson as top Democrat says images raise questions about financier’s relationship with high-profile figuresThe admiral in charge of US military forces in Latin America will retire two years early, AP reports, amid rising tensions with Venezuela that include Wednesday’s seizure of an oil tanker and more than 20 deadly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats.Three US officials and two people familiar with the matter told Reuters that Admiral Alvin Holsey was pushed out by defense secretary Pete Hegseth. Two officials said Hegseth had grown frustrated with Southern Command as he sought to flex US military operations and planning in the region. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago Democrats publish more photos from Jeffrey Epstein estate, including of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and former prince Andrew – live

House oversight committee publishes 19 photos from 95,000 they have received from the disgraced financier’s estate todayThe admiral in charge of US military forces in Latin America will retire two years early, AP reports, amid rising tensions with Venezuela that include Wednesday’s seizure of an oil tanker and more than 20 deadly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats.Three US officials and two people familiar with the matter told Reuters that Admiral Alvin Holsey was pushed out by defense secretary Pete Hegseth. Two officials said Hegseth had grown frustrated with Southern Command as he sought to flex US military operations and planning in the region. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago Andrew Marr sparks health concerns as he appears to struggle for breath 'with heavy cold' while presenting his live LBC radio show

The former BBC political editor has been inundated with goodwill messages over an incident while he was presenting his LBC show at around 6.30pm yesterday.

Society

4 d. ago Andrew Marr sparks health concerns as he appears to struggle for breath while presenting his live LBC radio show

The former BBC political editor has been inundated with goodwill messages over an incident while he was presenting his LBC show at around 6.30pm yesterday.

Society

4 d. ago Mother suffered stroke and sepsis after warning signs dismissed as migraine

Holly Dougan began experiencing neck pains and headaches in the run-up to Christmas 2024.

Events

4 d. ago Donald Trump 'freezes' live on Fox News as viewers claim he has become 'the politician he used to mock'

Donald Trump appeared to 'freeze' live on Fox News prompting viewers to question his health on social media.

Politics

4 d. ago The Guardian view on Labour’s new peerages: another boost for the ermine arms race | Editorial

Sir Keir Starmer promised to bring meaningful reform to the House of Lords. He is failing to introduce itIn opposition, Sir Keir Starmer called the unelected House of Lords “indefensible”. This week, barely 18 months into his prime ministership, Sir Keir took the total of unelected peers he has appointed since July 2024 to 96. Remarkably, Wednesday’s 34 new life peerages, mainly Labour supporters, take his appointment total above those of each of his four most recent Conservative predecessors. You must go back to David Cameron to find a prime minister who did more to stuff the Lords than Sir Keir.At the last election, Labour presented itself to the voters as a party of Lords reform. The party manifesto promised to remove the remaining hereditary peers, to reform the appointments process, to impose a peers’ retirement age, and to consult on proposals for replacing the Lords with an alternative second chamber. The House of Lords, the manifesto flatly declared, was “too big”....

Politics

5 d. ago Shocking three words to family whose son, 5, died after being sent home from A&E

The family of Yusuf Mahmud Nazir have said the five-year-old has already saved 'hundreds and hundreds of children's lives' after they met Health Secretary Wes Streeting to discuss Yusuf's Law

Events

5 d. ago Trump admin releases video of US seizure of Venezuelan oil tanker amid buildup of forces in region: Live updates

Trump announced the seized tanker Wednesday, marking the latest move amid growing tensions between the two countries

Politics